Platforms to Pillars

I recently read the book Platforms to Pillars, by Mark Sayers. Sayers describes that we are increasingly living in an age of platforms, that’s not different to biblical times when people wanted to build dais’s, towers of power, to elevate themselves above others. Think Tower of Babel, Pyramids, Cathedrals etc. Platforms in ancient times were also things like City Gates, Temples, Synagogues and so on. These days, we are still pretty good at building platforms, and they still might look like towers of power, but there are also more subtle platforms, like social media or consumer culture.

The truth is that being on a platform can be very appealing to try and achieve. We all don’t mind feeling like we are cool, or relevant, popular or influential. The challenge is that the platforms we create, can amplify influence but they can’t necessarily sustain meaning. They rise quickly and can collapse quickly.

Sayers helps us see that we desperately need pillars in society. People and communities that carry weight, endure challenges and pressure and create spaces that are safe, hospitable (I’d like to suggest unreasonably hospitable) and places where people can rest.

Over the holidays, I found myself wrestling with these challenges.

How do I personally become a pillar in community, rather than a succumbing to my natural human desire to be a platform?

And..

How do we position MECS to be a pillar rather than a potential platform?

The importance of striving to be a pillar, was new to me, particularly in a biblical context. In the building of Solomon’s temple, scripture refers to the building of 2 pillars that were named. It says in Kings that “he (the master builder), erected the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jachin and the one to the north, Boaz”. I don’t know about you, but I don’t go naming parts of my house. This is Shirl, my bench… here’s Steve our exposed beam. Interestingly, Jachin means “he shall establish” and Boaz means “in him is strength” – (yep, same as Boaz, the kinship redeemer in the story of Ruth). The two pillars, Jachin and Boaz signify God’s promise to establish His Kingdom and that God would uphold his people. They served as a constant reminder to all who entered that their stability and foundation came from God, not human effort. They were not meant to be flashy platforms, they were meant to be load bearing, sturdy pillars. They were perhaps also representation of the pillars we need in society, shaped by God, not platforms that point to self. You see, Sayers says “God wants a dwelling place, but the dwelling place can’t be a platform to human glory”. I personally find that challenging.

It's my hope, that during this year, we would, as a community seek to be pillars to one another, and pillars in broader society. We can do this, I believe, by being pillars of presence, character, community and pillars of hope and faith. One of the most encouraging parts of my role, is getting to see pillars at work in our community. From those who reach out to support others, to those who teach your kids how to be pillars themselves, to those that represent us in community events, to those who just want to serve.

Tim Keller says “The gospel creates a people who are neither triumphalist nor withdrawn but sacrificially engaged for the good of the city".

We are reminded in Colossians to establish ourselves in Christ; "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7

As we partner into 2026, may we be a community that remains established in Christ, strengthened by each other, honest in our humanity, faithful even when it is tough and difficult.

And may the world, weary from standing on collapsing platforms, find rest, support and hope, leaning against the quiet strength of the people of God, right here at MECS. That is my prayer, that is my hope.

Michelle Dempsey

Principal